Plenoptic Otoscope

Abstract

A plenoptic otoscope enables three-dimensional and / or spectral imaging of the inside of the ear to assist in improved diagnosis of inflammations and infections. The plenoptic otoscope includes a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor. The primary imaging system includes an otoscope objective and relay optics, which cooperate to form an image of an inside of an ear at an intermediate image plane. The plenoptic sensor includes a microimaging array positioned at the intermediate image plane and a sensor array positioned at a conjugate of the pupil plane. An optional filter module may be positioned at the pupil plane or one of its conjugates to facilitate three-dimensional and / or spectral imaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 754,327, titled “Plenoptic Otoscope,” filed Jan. 18, 2013. The subject matter of the foregoing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates generally to otoscopes for imaging the inside of human or animal ears.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Imaging inside of the human or animal ear is a common task for doctors. Typically a doctor uses an otoscope to look inside the ear of the patient. Such exam is common procedure when trying to diagnose ear infections. Most doctors use a manual otoscope, which is simply a magnifier combined with an illuminator. The image that the doctor sees exists only in the doctor's memory. Therefore, comparing different images looked at different times is difficult and not objective.[0006]There exist digit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention overcomes limitations in previous optical instruments by providing a plenoptic otoscope. This new technology can capture information about the shape, translucency, and color of the ear canal, allowing for better diagnosis of persistent ear infections. The plenoptic sensor captures data through a primary imaging system and a plenoptic sensor that is positioned at the pupil plane of the primary imaging system. A filter module can be used to capture different types of data, and the plenoptic otoscope can switch between depth and spectral imaging modes. High-quality data can be captured and utilized for accurate diagnosis and treatment of ear infections.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, comparing different images looked at different times is difficult and not objective.

However, these features are difficult to analyze from flat two-dimensional images taken by conventional cameras.

Images